Latest news with #PublicHealthandFamilyWelfare
The Hindu
31-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Telangana's Director of Public Health, seven others face department inquiry over transfer irregularities
The Telangana Health Department has initiated departmental proceedings against the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare (DPH), Dr B. Ravinder Naik, and seven other senior officials in connection with procedural irregularities during last year's general transfer process. According to a circular accessed by The Hindu, the government has appointed Dr J. Ajaya Kumar, Commissioner of Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP), as the presenting officer in the inquiry. The circular: 'The government, in exercise of the powers conferred under the Telangana Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1991, appoints Dr J. Ajaya Kumar as the presenting officer to present the case on behalf of the disciplinary authority in support of the article of charges against Dr B. Ravinder Naik and seven other government servants before the inquiring authority.' The probe pertains to the general transfers effected between June and July 2024, following the issue of a GO, which mandated that healthcare personnel who had served more than four years at a particular institution be compulsorily shifted. However, insiders allege the guidelines were manipulated, favouring certain officers. 'Many used the G.O. selectively to manipulate transfers. Senior officials, including the DPH, ensured that some individuals, despite crossing the four-year limit, remained posted in Hyderabad or other urban areas by invoking political connections or allegedly accepting bribes. Meanwhile, others were transferred even before completing three years of service, which is a clear violation of the rules,' a source in the Health Department said. The irregularities came to light after multiple doctors filed formal complaints, prompting the then Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare to order a preliminary investigation. The findings of that probe reportedly confirmed procedural violations and suggested financial transactions had occurred to influence postings. 'Based on the initial findings, departmental charges were framed against the eight officers. Since none of them responded with a written explanation despite being issued memos, a full-fledged inquiry has now been launched,' the source added. Officials familiar with the matter say further disciplinary action, including suspension, could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Hans India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Gadwal Activist Files PIL Against Telangana Government Over Failing Health Infrastructure.
Gadwal: In a bold legal move aimed at reforming the public health system in Jogulamba Gadwal district, a local social activist and political figure, S. Ramachandra Reddy, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against key officials of the Telangana State Government. The PIL seeks judicial intervention to improve healthcare facilities and address administrative negligence in the district's health sector. Petitioner's Details The petitioner, S. Ramachandra Reddy, son of S. Laxmi Reddy, is a 50-year-old resident of Leeja town, Jogulamba Gadwal district. Known for his involvement in social activism and public welfare initiatives, Mr. Reddy has cited serious lapses in the district's public health administration in his petition. He resides at House No. 2-40/2, near the Old Bus Stand in Leeja, Telangana - 509127. He can be contacted via mobile at 9059999372 and email at His PAN number is ASNPS2357M and Aadhaar number is 7856 8088 4539. Respondents Named in the PIL The PIL has been filed against the following respondents: 1. The State of Telangana, represented by its Principal Secretary, Department of Health, Secretariat, Hyderabad. 2. Telangana Government Medical Sciences Infrastructure Development Corporation (TGMSIDC), represented by the Director, DM&HS Campus, Sultan Bazaar, Koti, Hyderabad – 500001. 3. The Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Kachiguda, Hyderabad – 500027. 4. The Commissioner of Public Health and Family Welfare, DM&HS Campus, Sultan Bazaar, Koti, Hyderabad – 500001. 5. The District Collector, Integrated District Offices Complex, Jogulamba Gadwal District. 6. The District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), Integrated District Offices Complex, Jogulamba Gadwal District. Grounds for the Petition Although the full contents of the petition have not been disclosed publicly, sources familiar with the case indicate that the PIL may address the following issues: Lack of adequate medical infrastructure in rural hospitals and PHCs (Primary Health Centers) Shortage of doctors, paramedical staff, and emergency services Inconsistent supply of medicines and poor maintenance of hospital facilities Alleged corruption or negligence in the implementation of health schemes Failure to regulate unlicensed clinics and health treatment centers The petitioner is believed to have submitted documented evidence, photographs, and testimonies highlighting the dire state of public healthcare in villages under the Gadwal district. Impact and Reactions Local residents and social organizations have welcomed the PIL, calling it a necessary step to bring attention to a long-standing crisis. "Patients often have to travel 100 kilometers for even basic care. This petition gives voice to our suffering," said Rajamma, a local community health volunteer. Health rights advocates say the case could set a strong precedent and force the government to revisit its rural health policies. Legal experts believe that if the High Court admits the PIL, it could lead to a directive for improvements and accountability at various administrative levels. Conclusion This legal action by Mr. S. Ramachandra Reddy marks a turning point in the fight for better healthcare access in underdeveloped regions of Telangana. As the matter awaits its first hearing in the Telangana High Court, citizens and officials alike are watching closely, hopeful that long-overdue reforms may finally take shape.
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
COVID-19 cases in Telangana rise to double digits, experts say current wave appears mild
COVID-19 cases in Telangana have now climbed into double digits, with 10 active cases reported on Sunday, June 8, according to the national COVID-19 dashboard. The fresh uptick marks a steady rise in infections across the state, mirroring a broader national trend. The current wave in Telangana began on May 23, when a doctor from Kukatpally in Hyderabad tested positive, the first recorded case in this phase of the outbreak. Since then, daily case numbers have seen a gradual increase. Officials, however, have sought to calm public concern. Telangana's Director of Public Health and Family Welfare told The Hindu, 'It is only a normal routine kind of cases . If there is any hospitalisation or serious presentation, it will be taken seriously. The Government of India is also on the same page.' Genome sequencing data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) shows that five samples from Telangana were sequenced as of June 8. Four of these belong to the LF.7.9 variant, while one was identified as the XFG variant. Medical experts have so far noted no alarming signs. Dr. Kiran Madala, Professor of Anaesthesia at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, said, 'The cases are going up every day, but it is behaving just like another flu. We are not seeing any unusual hospital admissions. The pattern appears similar to what other states are experiencing, and it is milder for now.'
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
TTD issues Covid alert in Tirumala
TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has sounded a COVID-19 alert on Wednesday, urging both employees and visiting pilgrims to follow precautionary measures in view of rising cases. On Wednesday evening, the TTD administration issued an emergency circular to all department heads and staff, directing strict implementation of health and safety guidelines issued by the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare. The circular emphasised enhanced vigilance in high-traffic areas such as queue complexes, accommodation blocks, and other public spaces within the Tirumala temple premises. It also called for the immediate suspension of mass gatherings, including prayer meetings, parties, and social functions. Elderly individuals and pregnant women have been advised to take extra precautions in view of Covid resurgence.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Lower temperatures and increased humidity could spike malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and other diseases: Telangana DPH
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rains across Telangana over the next two days, the State's Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Dr Ravinder B. Nayak has issued a health advisory urging citizens to take precautionary measures against seasonal illnesses. The advisory warns that the combination of lower temperatures and increased humidity could lead to a spike in vector-borne and waterborne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, acute gastroenteritis, jaundice, and typhoid. To curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, the advisory has urged residents to secure doors and windows with mosquito screens, use repellents, maintain domestic drains to avoid water stagnation, and cover septic tanks with mesh. Citizens have also been advised to observe 'Friday Dry Day' each week to eliminate stagnant water around their homes. To prevent waterborne infections, the public was encouraged to drink only filtered or boiled water, maintain strict hand hygiene, especially before and after meals and avoid consuming stale or roadside food. 'With the threat of airborne infections such as viral fevers and influenza, people should refrain from handshakes, use hand sanitizers frequently, and cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. Those experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, headache, sore throat, and body aches are advised to visit the nearest government health facility. For emergencies, the public can dial 108 for ambulance services,' as per the advisory. It added that special beds, IV fluids, and essential medicines were arranged across public health facilities. ANMs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers are equipped with medicines and ORS sachets to respond swiftly to any health emergencies.
